PCRG, CTAC to host citywide public safety event on May 21

On Saturday, May 21 at West Penn Hospital the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG), in collaboration with the Community Technical Assistance Center (CTAC), will host a community safety training and resource fair entitled Safe Areas For Everyone: Building Community Block Watches (S.A.F.E. Pittsburgh). The event will run from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

S.A.F.E. Pittsburgh will include workshops on various public safety issues including gang related violence, how to understand crime statistics, and how to form neighborhood block watches. The event is entirely free to all city residents. Parking at the West Penn Hospital Garage will be validated. A light breakfast and boxed lunch will be provided to everyone who attends.

Pre-registration is required, is limited to residents of the City of Pittsburgh, and can be completed online at www. safeconference.pittsburgh pa.gov

David Hickton, U.S. Attorney for Western Pennsylvania will deliver a lunchtime keynote address and Pittsburgh Police Chief Nathan Harper will deliver the day's opening remarks. Representatives from 311, 911, Bureau of Building Inspection, the Department of Public Works, and the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh will take part in a panel discussion entitled Who You Gonna Call and When?

The day will conclude with a resource fair where attendees can learn more about various city, county, and non-profit public safety and quality of life initiatives throughout Pittsburgh.

Governor Corbett recently issued a letter of support for S.A.F.E. Pittsburgh, acknowledging the "importance of an alert and well trained community in confronting crime in our commonwealth" and thanking PCRG and CTAC for "discussions and training… that will undoubtedly lead to a safer community."